Passports and Visas

If you are planning to travel out of the country, you need to obtain a passport. Some countries also require that you obtain the proper visa. Most of the information you need to obtain a passport or visa follows.

If you have additional questions not answered here or have an emergency passport request, please contact our Towson Office for immediate assistance at (410) 832-8890.

Please be aware that we will do everything in our power to assist you. The passport agencies often experience a backlog, therefore it may not be possible to have your request completed and delivered prior to your departure date.

Passport and Visa Links Online:

• U.S. State Department
• Passport Applications and Instructions
• First Gov

Questions Asked the Most About Passports and Visas:

How do I get a passport?

• Passports are obtained through the Passport Services Division of the Department of State. Through your local passport acceptance agent, usually a Post Office, you can apply for a new passport, renew your old one, or do any of a number of things, including replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport, or adding new pages to your existing book. You can search for application locations near you and print out passport forms at the website.

How long will it take to get my passport?

• Passports usually take from 8-10 weeks to issue. For an extra fee--plus the cost of 2-way overnight mail--you can "expedite" this process and receive your passport in 14-21 days. If you require a passport in less than 21 days, please call our office at 410-832-8890.           

Do I need a travel visa in addition to my passport?

• Some countries also require U.S. citizens to have a visa in order to enter. Check here with the State Department to determine whether or not you'll need a visa for travel or as a student. A visa is permission from a country to cross their borders and comes in the form of a stamp in your U.S. Passport.

Where can I find government information for overseas travel?

• Check the State Department website for travel warnings and consular information sheets that provide very helpful information about the country you plan on visiting. This is especially helpful during the current War on Terrorism. The U.S. State Department website also contains very comprehensive information on all the services it provides both stateside and abroad. This includes crisis assistance for U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad, and various travel publications available on-line.

How can I contact American Embassies and Consulates?

• Many U.S. Diplomatic Missions abroad have information on-line. For those that don't, check the State Department's Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts for addresses, and phone and fax numbers for U.S. Embassies and Consulates throughout the world.